What is a Rejection Letter?
The rejection letter (German: Absageschreiben or Nichtberücksichtigungsmitteilung) is the formal notification from a contracting authority to a bidder that their offer will not be considered in the procurement procedure.
Legal Framework
- Section 134 GWB: Information and standstill obligation (above EU thresholds)
- Section 46 UVgO: Information obligation below thresholds
- Section 62 VgV: Notification of applicants and bidders
Mandatory Contents (Above EU Thresholds)
Under Section 134 GWB, the rejection letter must include:
| Required Information | Description |
|---|---|
| Name of successful bidder | Who received the contract? |
| Reasons for rejection | Why was the offer not selected? |
| Earliest award date | When may the contract be awarded? |
Standstill Period
After sending the rejection letter, the authority must observe a standstill period:
- 15 calendar days for postal delivery
- 10 calendar days for electronic delivery
- The contract may only be awarded after this period expires
Bidder's Options After Rejection
- File a complaint (Rüge) under Section 160(3) GWB
- Submit a review application to the procurement chamber
- Request detailed information about the reasons
- Accept if no procurement errors are apparent
How Patterno Helps
Patterno helps you systematically track all procurement procedures, including rejection letters, deadlines, and legal remedies. Our AI analyzes your participation history and provides insights to improve your bidding strategy.